Broadhead with deployment mechanism

ABSTRACT

A broadhead with deployment mechanism is disclosed. An example broadhead includes a core, at least one actuators rotatably attached to the core. The example broadhead also includes at least one cutting blades corresponding to each of the three actuators, the three cutting blades rotatably attached to the core. In an example, the broadhead includes three actuators and three cutting blades. At least one magnetic field is provided (e.g., a magnet) near the core to hold the actuator(s) and corresponding cutting blade(s) in a predetermined position for a first stage with the actuator(s) and cutting blade(s) in a closed position, another predetermined position for a second stage upon initial contact with a target, and enabling full deployment of the cutting blade(s) in a third stage.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/080,873 filed Nov. 17, 2014 titled “Broadhead For Archery” of Aaron Williamson, hereby incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Compound bows for archery continue to deliver faster flight speeds for arrows. Broadheads are designed to take advantage of this high speed flight. The accuracy of flight of arrows with broadheads is affected by the size and geometry of their prospective steering surfaces. The steering surface is that surface which projects into the slipstream and steers the arrows flight. Many existing broadheads have significant sized steering surfaces, requiring rubber bands or springs to keep them closed during flight. Also on current models, blade deployment is an immediate result of the deploying mechanism contacting the target, which can dull the blade sharpness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B show an example broadhead, illustrating A) a closed profile, and B) the cutting blade deployed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example broadhead.

FIGS. 3A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead in a closed profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, B) is a front perspective view, and C) is another side perspective view.

FIGS. 4A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead in a closed profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, B) is a back perspective view, and C) is another side perspective view.

FIGS. 5A-D are side views of an example broadhead in a closed profile,

FIGS. 6A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead, wherein A) shows the broadhead in a closed profile, B) shows the broadhead in an initial contact profile, and C) shows the broadhead in a self-deploying profile.

FIGS. 7A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile with the cutting blades removed, wherein A) is a side perspective view, and B) is a side perspective view of another example magnet location.

FIGS. 8A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, and B) is another side perspective view.

FIG. 9A is a side view of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the detail shown in area A in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile.

FIGS. 11A-B are side views of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile.

FIGS. 12A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile, wherein A) is a front perspective view, and B) is a side perspective view.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A broadhead is disclosed herein as it may be used by way of illustration in archery. An example broadhead is configured to fly truer and more accurately than existing broadheads, due at least in part to its reduced profile.

The broadhead has a leading cutting edge that is integral to its main blades, enabling better penetration. The main cutting blades are not deployed until the broadhead has traveled well into the target, thereby maintaining a sharp cutting edge even through the initial impact with a target (e.g., cutting through the animal hide). The actuator blades are not directly connected to the main cutting blades. This enables a higher degree of rotation before activating the cutting blades, and results in deeper penetration and more external wounding and increased bleeding (for easier tracking).

In an example, the broadhead has a blade every 120 degrees, leading to more vital organ damage and resulting in greater likelihood of a successful harvest of game animals.

In an example, the example broadhead does not rely on springs or rubber bands to keep the blades closed during flight. Instead, the blades of the broadhead disclosed herein are held closed magnetically.

The broadhead disclosed herein achieves higher accuracy than currently available arrowheads. The broadhead requires no external locking mechanisms. The broadhead may also be configured modularly, allowing for specific replacement/changing of parts and reuse.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

FIGS. 1A-B show an example broadhead 10, illustrating A) a closed profile, and B) the cutting blade deployed. The example broadhead 10 includes a core 12. At least one actuator (actuators 14 a-b are visible in FIGS. 1A-B) is rotatably attached to the core 12. At least one cutting blade (cutting blades 16 a-c are visible in FIGS. 1A-B) is rotatably attached to the core. It is noted that each actuator corresponds to a cutting blade (e.g., actuator 14 a corresponds to cutting blade 16 a, actuator 14 b corresponds to cutting blade 16 b, and actuator 14 c corresponds to cutting blade 16 c).

In an example, the broadhead 10 may be affixed to a shaft 1 (e.g., an arrow shaft). The broadhead 10 includes a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism is explained in more detail below, but briefly, the deployment mechanism enables the cutting blades 16 a-c to be maintained in a closed position in a first stage (e.g., a ready to fire position), and to release in a controlled manner. In an example, the actuator is deployed during a second stage, e.g., upon initial contact with a target. The cutting blades 16 a-c deploy in a third stage up to and including a fully deployed position, e.g., at or in the target.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example broadhead 10. The example broadhead 10 includes a core 12, actuators 14 a-c, and cutting blades 16 a-c. Posts for each deployment mechanism (posts 20 a-b are visible in FIG. 2, although there is a third post 20 c, not visible in this example) are provided on the core 12. The actuators 14 a-c and the cutting blades 16 a-c are movably fitted over the corresponding posts 20 a-c.

In an example, the fasteners 22 a-c are screws placed radially into the base of the core 12, e.g., in posts 20 a-c. As such, the posts 20 a-c may also be a rotating axis or “axle” for the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c. It is noted, however, that other examples are also contemplated, e.g., wherein posts 20 a-c are not provided and instead the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c are mounted on the fasteners 22 a-c.

In an example, the actuators 14 a-c are attached on the corresponding posts 20 a-c closest to the core 12, and the cutting blades 16 a-c are attached on the posts 20 a-c over the actuators 14 a-c. Fasteners 22 a-c are connected to the corresponding post 20 a-c to secure the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c, while enabling rotation of the actuators 14 a-c, and cutting blades 16 a-c,

In an example, a recess (recesses 24 a-b are visible in FIG. 2, although there is a third recess 24 c, not visible, in this example) is formed in the core 12. The recesses 24 a-c are shown as a generally U-shaped recess formed in the core 12, however, the recessed are not limited to any particular shape, size, or configuration. The recesses 24 a-c are configured to receive the corresponding actuators 14 a-c in a predetermined position and enable motion of the actuators 14 a-c through a predetermined path (e.g., as explained below with reference to FIG. 6A).

It is noted that the recess limits rotation of the actuators. But other configurations are also contemplated. For example, a post is shown on the actuator that drives the cutting blade movement. In another example, a post may instead be provided on the blade and the arc slot provided in the actuator.

The recesses 24 a-c in the core 12 enable the actuators 14 a-c to be installed flush with the surface of the polyhedron's three faces. In addition, the recesses 24 a-c limit travel of the actuators 14 a-c, and via engagement of the posts 30 a-c, further limits travel and locks the cutting blades 16 a-c in place.

In an example, one or more opening (e.g., openings 26 a-c) is formed in each of the actuators 14 a-c. The opening(s) provide a targeted weight reduction for the broadhead 10, and reduces or altogether prevents opening of the deployment mechanism upon firing.

In an example, a slot (e.g., slots 28 a-c) is formed in each of the cutting blades 16 a-c, and a mechanical stop (e.g., mechanical stops 30 a-c) is provided on each of the corresponding actuators 14 a-c. The mechanical stops 30 a-c are received in the slots 28 a-c formed in the corresponding cutting blades 16 a-c to limit travel of the cutting blades 16 a-c and to maintain the corresponding cutting blade in a predetermined position.

In an example, the deployment mechanism is maintained in a predetermined position and controllably released via a magnetic field. For example, at least one magnet (e.g., magnets 32 a-c) is provided in the core 12. Each magnet catches the corresponding actuator 14 a-c and holds the actuator in a predetermined position until impact with a target.

In this example, the magnets 32 a-c are provided in pockets 34 a-c formed in the core 12. In another example, the magnet or magnetic field is provided as part of the core 12 (e.g., at least a portion of the core 12 itself is magnetic). The magnetic field may also be varied, e.g., using different size and/or position of the magnet(s) and polarities to affect attraction differently for the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c.

The broadhead 10 may be assembled as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C, 4A-C, and 5A-D. FIGS. 3A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead in a closed profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, B) is a front perspective view, and C) is another side perspective view. Section 39 provides a base for the broadhead 10, and may include any suitable attachment for any desired shaft 1. O-rings 41 and 42 may be provided to seal the broadhead 10 to the shaft 1. It is noted that section 39 may be varied in size (e.g., length and/or diameter) to precisely manage the total weight of the broadhead without affecting the deployment mechanics.

FIGS. 4A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead in a closed profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, B) is a back perspective view, and C) is another side perspective view. FIGS. 5A-D are side views of an example broadhead in a closed profile,

In an example, the core 12 is a milled aluminum (carbon, polymer, and/or other material) triangular based polyhedron having a height that is greater than a width of the polyhedron. The core 12 secures to an arrow shaft and supports the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c. The tip portion of the core 12 may also provide penetration into the target.

In an example, the actuators 14 a-c are substantially teardrop shaped. The actuators 14 a-c may be provided as a heavy blade. For example, at least one surface of the actuator may be sharpened. When installed on the core 12, the leading edge of the actuators 14 a-c passes the edge of the core's polyhedron and is locked in place by a magnetic field located in the core.

In an example, the cutting blades 16 a-c are triangular blades with a small triangular protrusion on the leading edge. The long edge and short leading edge may be sharpened. This dual cutting surface enables clean entry into a target while in an undeployed state, and enables continuous cutting through initial stages of blade deployment.

The cutting blades 16 a-c have a screw hole in the bottom portion of the blade and a radial arc around the screw hole. The radial arc engages the posts 30 a-c on the corresponding actuators 14 a-c. When the cutting blades 16 a-c are installed on the core 12 over the actuators 14 a-c, it is held against a catch 36 a-c on the leading edge of the core 12 by the posts 30 a-c on the actuators 14 a-c being pressed against the slot on the cutting edge.

The catch 36 a-c provides a hard-stop for the cutting blades 16 a-c, and can be configured in any of a variety of different manners. For example, the catch 36 a-c may be provided as bosses on the core 12, or via pins (not shown) on the cutting blades 16 a-c. The catch 36 a-c enables the cutting blades 16 a-c to be readily set in the fully closed position without risk of rotating open before striking the target. The catch 36 a-c also provides a stop for the cutting blades 16 a-c upon full deployment. That is, the blade rests on the face opposite of the one used in the closed position.

It is noted that the core 12, actuators 14 a-c, and cutting blades 16 a-c are not limited to any particular configuration. A fastener 18 may be provided with the core (e.g., formed as part of or affixed to the core 12) to secure the core 12 to a shaft (e.g., arrow shaft 1 shown in FIGS. 1A-B). A threaded fastener 18 is shown in FIG. 2, although the fastener 18 is not limited to a threaded fastener. For example, the fastener 18 may be press fit to the shaft 1.

In an example, a catch on the core (e.g., catches 36 a-c on each face of the core 12) maintains the cutting blades 16 a-c against the catch 36. For example, the cutting blades 16 a-c may be maintained in position by the mechanical stop 30 a-c on the actuators 14 a-c being pressed against the slots 28 a-c and in turn the cutting blades 16 a-c are maintained within a desired range of rotation between edges 38 a-c and 40 a-c on the cutting blades 16 a-c.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein.

An example method includes providing a core (e.g., core 12), providing an actuator (e.g., actuators 14 a-c) and a corresponding cutting blade (e.g., 16 a-c) rotatably attached to the core 12. The example method also includes maintaining the actuator and cutting blade in a predetermined position prior to launch, and then controllably and automatically releasing (e.g., self-deploying by assistance of the actuator or “actuator-assisted”) the cutting blade on impact with a target. Controllably and automatically releasing (e.g., self-deploying) the cutting blade is illustrated by way of example with reference to FIGS. 6A-C.

FIGS. 6A-C are perspective views of an example broadhead, wherein A) shows the broadhead in a closed profile, B) shows the broadhead in an initial contact profile, and C) shows the broadhead in a self-deploying profile. The cutting blades may be self-deployed in response to impact with a target. In an example, the cutting blades are fully deployed. However, depending on a number of factors (e.g., the target material, the distance the arrow has traveled, the speed and force with which the arrow has traveled, etc.), the cutting blades may or may not be fully deployed.

The controllable release of the cutting blades by the deployment mechanism can be defined with stages. In an example, the first stage is defined by a closed position, e.g., ready to fire, and is further illustrated by FIGS. 7A-B (note the cutting blades are removed) and 8A-B. The second stage is defined by initial deployment (e.g., upon initial contact with a target), and is further illustrated by FIGS. 9A-B. The third stage is defined by the fully deployed position, and is further illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11A-B, 12A-B, and 13.

FIGS. 7A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, and B) is a side perspective view of another example magnet location or pocket 34. In FIGS. 7A-B, the cutting blades 16 a-c are removed to better see the actuators 14 a-c. FIGS. 8A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile, wherein A) is a side perspective view, and B) is another side perspective view. The magnetic field (e.g., magnets 32 a-c) maintain the broadhead 10 in a first stage with the actuators 14 a-c and cutting blades 16 a-c in a closed position.

FIG. 9A is a side view of an example broadhead in an initial contact profile. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the detail shown in area A in FIG. 9A. It can be seen in FIG. 9B, that hardware maintains the actuators and cutting blades connected to the core, but does not actively provide any clamping force to those components. Other than being restricted by the magnetic field, the actuators and cutting blades rotate freely.

It is noted that in another example, a washer or other spacer may be provided here to provide an active clamping force to the actuator and cutting blade, thereby affecting deployment. Such an implementation may be desired, e.g., to delay and/or slow deployment of the cutting blade to enable deeper penetration into the target before the cutting blades are deployed.

The broadhead 10 releases the actuators 14 a-c in a second stage on contact with a target. In an example, the actuators and blades rotate in a counter clockwise direction. When the core 12 passes into a target, the protruding edge of the actuators 14 a-c catches the target and causes the actuators 14 a-c to rotate, e.g., in a clockwise rotation. This rotation continues until the actuators 14 a-c are stopped by the actuators 14 a-c reaching the end of the recesses 24 a-c in the core 12.

When the broadhead 10 strikes a target, the arrangement of the three leading edges cut into the target. The cutting blades 16 a-c then pass into the target until the actuators 14 a-c strike the target. When the actuators 14 a-c strike the target, the actuators 14 a-c then begin to open and cause an entry wound in the target. The posts 30 a-c on the actuators 14 a-c travel until these reach the end of arcs 28 a-c, causing the cutting blades 16 a-c to also rotate and open.

The post on the actuator engages the cutting blade to begin deployment of the cutting blade (i.e., actuator-assisted or self-deployment of the cutting blade). When the actuator moves the cutting blade to the point where the cutting blade is self-deploying, it is of little concern whether the actuator becomes fully deployed. That is, the cutting blade may fully deploy before the actuator makes it to the hard-stop on the core.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile. FIGS. 11A-B are side views of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile. FIGS. 12A-B are perspective views of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile, wherein A) is a front perspective view, and B) is a side perspective view. It can be seen in FIG. 12 that the cutting blades 16 a-c are not perpendicular to the flight path. This sets the deployed broadhead 10 into a helical trajectory through the target, thereby increasing the length (or depth) of the cut in the target. FIG. 13 is a side view of an example broadhead in a fully deployed profile.

Upon entry into the target, the broadhead 10 more fully deploys the cutting blades 16 a-c in a third stage. As the cutting blades 16 a-c open, the cutting action causes further rotation (opening) of the cutting blades 16 a-c.

It is noted that the angle at which the actuators 14 a-c open, and the degree to which the cutting blades 16 a-c open can be varied by modifying design characteristics of the broadhead 10. For example, design characteristics may include the length and/or position of the arcs 28 a-c in the core 12.

The operations shown and described herein are provided to illustrate example implementations. It is noted that the operations are not limited to the ordering shown. Still other operations may also be implemented.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

1. A broadhead with deployment mechanism, comprising: a core, at least one actuator rotatably attached to the core; and at least one cutting blade rotatably attached to the core.
 2. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising at least one post on the core, the at least one actuator and the at least one cutting blade movably fitted over the post.
 3. The broadhead of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is attached on the post closest to the core and the at least one cutting blade is attached over the at least one actuator.
 4. The broadhead of claim 2, further comprising a fastener connected to the at least one post.
 5. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising a generally U-shaped recess formed in the core, the generally U-shaped recess configured to receive the at least one actuator in a predetermined position and enable motion of the at least one actuator through a predetermined path. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising an opening formed in the at least one actuator, the opening providing targeted weight reduction to prevent deployment upon firing.
 7. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising a slot formed in the at least one cutting blade.
 8. The broadhead of claim 7, further comprising a mechanical stop on the at least one actuator, the mechanical stop received in the slot formed in the at least one cutting blade to limit travel of the at least one cutting blade and to hold the at least one cutting blade in a predetermined position.
 9. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising a magnet of the core to catch the at least one actuator and hold the at least one actuator in a predetermined position until impact with a target.
 10. The broadhead of claim 9, wherein the magnet is provided as part of the core. 11, The broadhead of claim 9, wherein the magnet is provided in a pocket formed in the core.
 12. The broadhead of claim 1, wherein the core is a milled aluminum triangular based polyhedron having a height that is greater than a width of the polyhedron. 13, The broadhead of claim 1, wherein a long edge and short leading edge of the at least one cutting blade is sharpened.
 14. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising a fastener to secure the core to an arrow shaft.
 15. The broadhead of claim 1, further comprising a catch on the core, the at least one cutting blade held against the catch by the mechanical stop on the at least one actuator being pressed against the slot.
 16. A broadhead with deployment mechanism, comprising: a core, three actuators rotatably attached to the core; three cutting blades corresponding to each of the three actuators, the three cutting blades rotatably attached to the core; and at least one magnetic field near the core to hold the three actuators and three corresponding cutting blades in a predetermined position for a first stage with the three actuators and three cutting blades in a closed position, another predetermined position for a second stage upon initial contact with a target, and enabling full deployment of the three cutting blades in a third stage.
 17. A method comprising: providing a core, providing an actuator and a cutting blade rotatably attached to the core; holding the actuator and cutting blade in a predetermined position prior to launch and controllably releasing the cutting blade upon impact with a target.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising holding the actuator and cutting blade in a first stage with the actuator and cutting blade in a closed position.
 19. The method of claim 17 The method of claim 17 further comprising releasing the actuator in a second stage on contact with a target.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprising full deploying the cutting blade in a third stage. 